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Head-to-head · Best Blackout Curtains

Eclipse Fresno vs Sun Zero Barrow

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Eclipse Fresno comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Shoppers who want a thick, near-total blackout panel with thermal and noise benefits and don't mind a rod-pocket header or buying single panels. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Eclipse Fresno
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Blackout Curtains
Eclipse Fresno
$17.18as of May 29

The Eclipse Fresno is the proven-blackout specialist, laboratory-tested to block 98-99.9% of sunlight via patented Thermaback construction. Bob Vila praised the Eclipse line for blocking 'nearly all sunlight, even in the middle of the day,' and reviewers note no light bleed from the edges, no chemical smell, and roughly 40% noise reduction. It is sold as single panels with a rod-pocket header, but for a thick, durable, near-total blackout panel at around $40, it is excellent.

Strengths
  • — Laboratory-tested to block 98-99.9% of sunlight and UV rays, with patented Thermaback/Thermaweave construction
  • — Bob Vila named the Eclipse Microfiber line 'Best Lightweight,' blocking 'nearly all sunlight, even in the middle of the day'
  • — Reduces noise by around 40% and insulates against summer heat and winter chill
Watch-outs
  • — Sold as single panels, so you need two (or more) to cover a typical window
  • — Rod-pocket/back-tab header is less convenient than grommets for daily opening
  • — Lighter colors block less light than the darker options
$17.18 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sun Zero Barrow
Ranked #5 in Best Blackout Curtains
Sun Zero Barrow
$9.49as of Jun 7

The Sun Zero Barrow is the budget room-darkening pick, a classic rod-pocket panel that reduces light and noise for better sleep at often under $20. It is honest about what it is: Sun Zero rates it as room darkening rather than full blackout, so some light will show through, especially in lighter colors. For a shopper who wants to soften daylight and add privacy and energy efficiency cheaply, it delivers, but those needing total darkness should choose a true blackout panel.

Strengths
  • — Extremely affordable, often available for well under $20 per panel
  • — Woven-solid fabric reduces light and noise for better sleep while adding energy efficiency
  • — Classic rod-pocket design with a soft, plush velvety feel that drapes nicely
Watch-outs
  • — Room-darkening, not full blackout, so some light will show through, especially in lighter colors
  • — Light blocking depends heavily on color: the darker the panel, the more it blocks
  • — Rod-pocket header is less convenient than grommets for daily use
$9.49 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Eclipse Fresno

Its near-total light blocking puts it just behind the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and on par with the Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout. Its rod-pocket/back-tab header is less grab-and-go than the grommets on the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and it blocks far more light than the Sun Zero Barrow.

Sun Zero Barrow

The budget room-darkening option, blocking less light than the true-blackout NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout, Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, Eclipse Fresno, and Best Home Fashion Premium Blackout. Its rod-pocket header is like the Eclipse Fresno's rather than the grommets on the NICETOWN Contemporary Lined Blackout and Amazon Basics Room Darkening Blackout, and it is the cheapest panel here.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEclipse FresnoSun Zero Barrow
Fabric100% polyester, Thermaback/Thermaweave triple-weaveWoven-solid polyester
Light Blocking98-99.9%Room darkening (color-dependent)
HeaderRod pocket / back tabRod pocket (fits rod up to 1.5 in)
Sizes52 x 84 in (single panel; other lengths)Multiple sizes and colors
ThermalInsulating (heat and cold)—
Noise~40% reductionNoise-reducing
UVBlocks harmful UV rays—
CareMachine washableMachine washable
Energy—Energy-efficient / insulating
Feel—Soft, plush velvety hand
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